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"WEEKEND STAR" ~~ FRIDAY, AUGUST 17,'2001 - 3 Mayor Moffatt calls for conservation of lake water From Page 1 "They're just using it for cosmetic use; no golf course is going to die, they're just trying to make it look good." Bernie Villeneuve, superintendent of the Trent-Severn = Waterway system, confirmed that falling water levels do have his agency con- cerned. "These are the natural , consequences of the over- all climatic conditions we are facing," he said. "Traditionally, because of the fact that there are so few water-entry points Lake Scugog is subject to pressure from drought and low water levels." Mr. Villeneuve noted that the lake "is at the min- imum end of the range, so I'd urge mariners to be cautious when out on the lake." . vr Water depth tests are conducted by Trent- Severn officials daily, and any improvement of decline in conditions will be passed along to boaters, he said. "People should be care- ful out there because we're at a pretty fine line right now," said Mr. Villeneuve. "We're watching the situa- tion very closely right now." He added that all mariners should take the proper precautions when travelling through Lake Scugog, and should be mindful of the type of boat they have and the weight they're carrying. "There are a whole bunch of common sense variables to think about, but unfortunately some people don't take them into consideration," said ~ Mr. Villeneuve. Samantha Moser, a water control student with the Trent-Severn, said Wednesday morning that Lake Scugog was four-cen- timetres below the normal navigational minimum. "It means that we can't guarantee the normal four- foot draft," she said. "This is not a super-critical situa- tion, but this sort of thing usually happens in September." Locally, Sandy Beaton, president of the Scugog - chapter of the Kawartha Fisheries Association, said that this summer's drought is part of an on-going cycle. "We're . experiencing drought conditions right now and as a result the lake levels are down," he explained. "It's all part of a 40-year cycle. We had real- ly low lake levels in the 60s and now we're having them again," he said. Mr. Beaton noted that the drought will not have an adverse effect on fish in Lake Scugog because there's still plenty of plant life, but he added "the Low water levels force cancellation of poker run Concerns over low water levels in Lake Scugog forced organizers of this weekend's charity poker run at Goreski's Marina to cancel the popular event. Water levels have dropped drastically and could be potentially unsafe in some spots. Because of that, the poker run -- which helps raise funds for the Big Brothers-Big Sisters of North Durham agency -- cancelled this Saturday's event. "The water levels are too low and there is igh some concern for the bigger boats which were entered," said Cathy Goreski, who was help- ing to organize the fundraiser. The local Big Brothers-Big Sisters agency counts on raising at least $2,500 each year at the poker run event. The next fundraiser for Big Brothers-Big Sisters is the half- marathon, scheduled to be held at the end of next month. For more information on the poker run, please call 905-985-9763. fishing will be lousy because fish are sluggish in the warm water (because of shallower depths)." 'Mayor Moffatt stated that he plans on speaking with officials from the Kawartha Conservation Authority and Trent- Severn water system in the future to formulate a plan to protect the lake's water levels, but he admits that won't be of any help right Now. "We're in a bit of a seri- ous situation here. The lake is important to all of us, so I'd encourage peo- ple to conserve the water," he said. The township has received a handful of calls regarding water levels in Lake Scugog, said the mayor, who adds that he's made personal visits to the homes of a few com- plainants. SC ohimbia Mayor Moffatt explained that he visited one home on Ambleside Drive on Scugog Island, and noted, "the water level is down a foot or more than from where it should be and the amount of shoreline exposed is amazing." At some points, he con- tinued, the water has recessed back more than 12 feet from where it usual- ly lapped at the shore. 10% OFF ALL REGULAR PRICED Merchaneise with Your Broci's Gold Card cUESS) Water levels in Lake Scugog are regulated by the Trent-Severn water system. Dams in Lindsay are used to change the amount of water that flows into the lake. "We're at the very top of of the Kawartha water sys- tem, so we're the first one affected," said the mayor. "We're going to have to take a look at some long- term measures to keep the water levels up." mac & Fo the summer clearance continues 0-30%" off most summer fashions & footwea Sale ends Monday, fugust 20th BR@BCK'S pisces 168 Queen Street, 005-988 Port Pern 15) 1 sDROOKS. FRESH ® PRODUCE On foot